Local

3 charged in death of Monroe mother, deputies say

UNION COUNTY, N.C. — Three people were charged in connection with the disappearance of a Monroe mother who was found dead weeks later, according to the Union County Sheriff’s Office.

Alison Thomas, a 37-year-old mother of two, was last seen on Feb. 13 in Union County. Her body was found earlier this month along a dirt road in the Nantahala National Forest.

Authorities are investigating her death as a homicide.

On Monday night, deputies announced the arrest of three suspects connected to Thomas’ murder.

Michael Kasminoff, 51, of Monroe, is charged with first-degree murder, first-degree kidnapping, conspiracy to commit murder, and conspiracy to commit kidnapping. He’s being held in the Chesterfield County Detention Center without bond.

Two other people -- Brandon Kisiah, 27, of Monroe, and Amanda Griffin, 42, of Monroe -- are each charged with conspiracy to commit murder. Neither has had their bond set.

“I know there are others who have either information specifics to what led to her kidnapping murder or were involved in a cover-up -- any of those categories,” said Tony Underwood, chief deputy with the Union County Sheriff’s Office.

Investigators said Thomas knew some of the people connected with her death.

The sheriff’s office said the investigation began on Flint Ridge Road in Stanly County near Oakboro where Thomas was last believed to be alive on Feb. 13.

“Everybody does know each other,” Oakboro resident Scott Roberson said. “At least by sight or name. It’s a very friendly place. We all tend to think we look out for each other so when something like this happens, we all get very anxious.”

Investigators don’t believe Thomas was alive long after she was taken from an acquaintance’s house the night of Feb. 13.

Deputies said the investigation is ongoing and more charges are likely. Anyone with additional information is asked to contact the sheriff’s office.

“My message to those people would be this: You know who you are and we know who you are so we’re coming for you,” Underwood said.

This is a developing story. Check wsoctv.com for updates.


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Hannah Goetz

Hannah Goetz, wsoctv.com

Hannah is a reporter for WSOC-TV.